Harrison Howard Snelling 1930-2012

Harrison Howard Snelling, son of the late Ralph Moody and Julia (Blount) Snelling, was born April 5, 1930 in Camden, Missouri. He grew up in North Missouri and graduated from high school.

At the age of 16, Harry, as he was known to his family and friends, entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully for the next 22 years. For his service, Harry earned the Good Conduct Medal 92nd Award), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal (w/60 Device), 3 Overseas Bars, Army Commendation Medal, and Bronze Star Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster). He had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class.

On July 28, 1953, Harry was united in marriage to Martha Dean Holloway in Lexington, Missouri. They shared over 57 years together and were blessed with four children: Tisha, Harry Jr., Lori and Chris.

In 1959, Harry and Martha bought their farm. Because of being in the military, they moved a lot, but always came back home to the farm in Waynesville.

After retiring from the military, Harry worked for many years at Blocks and Stuff Hardware. He was always working and doing what he loved. He loved being outdoors, working and caring for the farm and livestock. He also enjoyed hunting, especially coon hunting. Most importantly, he was truly a family man and loved his family more than anything. He was very sentimental with a caring heart.

At an early age, Harry made a profession of faith and became a member of the Deerlick Baptist Church after moving to the Waynesville area. He eventually became a deacon of the church and took his responsibilities seriously. He also drove the church van for several years and took great pride in helping build the new church building.

Harry went home to be with his Lord the evening of Wednesday, April 11, 2012 in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri having attained the age of 82 years.

Harry will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory his four children: Tisha Morgan of Springfield, MO, Harry Snelling, Jr. (Susie) of Waynesville, MO, Lori Laughlin (Bobby) of Waynesville, MO, Chris Allen Snelling (Melinda) of St. Louis, MO; two brothers: Elmer Snelling (Eutta) of Richmond, MO and Si Snelling (Pauline) Denver, CO; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Martha and nine siblings: Ruby, Albert, Alice, Mae, Zelma, Roy Lee, Audrey, Mary and Olie.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012 in the Deerlick Baptist Church of Waynesville with Rev. Calvin Gladden and Rev. Danny Graves officiating. Soloist Becky Lercher sang “In the Garden” and “Amazing Grace”. Serving as escorts were Tony Dye, Mel Woodruff, Matt Laughlin, Paul Laughlin, Marty Morgan II and Jim Grier.

Burial with military honors followed in the Deerlick Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.